'Hitler was able to become Chancellor of Germany in January 1933 mainly because of the effects of the Wall Street crash/ depression'. Do you agree? Explain your answer.

 The effects that the Wall Street Crash were important in explaining why people supported the Nazi Party and Hitler was able to gain power in January 1933. In October 1929, after share prices crashed, American banks recalled loans they had made to German industries and banks. German’s inability to pay back these loans led to these businesses closing leaving to widespread unemployment. By 1932, 6 million German people were unemployed. The Weimar government’s inability to rectify this made Hitler an appealing alternative. The crash led to widespread unemployment as in 1932 as 6 million people were unemployed. The Weimer coalition was weak and Muller’s efforts to raise unemployment’s benefits failed as he could not get a majority in the Reichstag leading him to resign as leader of the Grand Coalition. This further reduced people’s faith in the government. The people continued to be disappointed in the government as Bruning, as Chancellor, cut benefits and raised taxes. These were controversial and unpopular laws, to the extent that he was forced to use Article 48 to pass them. The government’s inability to deal with the economic crisis meant that the German people found Hitler and the Nazi’s promises appealing.  The policies of the Nazi’s were important as he promised to fix what the government could not. Hitler promised more jobs and employment. The “Hitler over Germany’ campaign featured Hitler flying all over Germany delivering speeches personally to the German people. This made them believe that he cared about their future unlike Weimar. Furthermore, Hitler’s rhetoric about making Germany great again as the Treaty of Versailles and reparations weakened there economic was effective. This message resonated with many Germans who had become disillusioned with democracy, and its weak ineffective coalitions encouraging them to look towards a strong leader. There are other factors that led to Hitler taking power such as the SA, who numbered 400,000 by 1930. They would undermine political opposition such as the communists, breaking up their rallies and intimidating their voters. Propaganda was also importance, as Goebbels coordinated an effective propaganda machine utilising mass rallies, posters, films and rallies to advertise their policies. However, these policies would not have had the same appeal without the Wall Street Crash. This is seen in the Nazi’s Reichstag seats as in 1928 they only had 12 seats. However in July 1932 they had won 37.3% of the vote, making them the largest party in the Reichstag. This level of growth would not have happened without the Wall Street Crash. The economic depression that it caused led the German people to become disenchanted with Weimar, looking towards Hitler who presented a stronger and more appealing leader.